Build Your Birth Vision

Your Journey Through Birth with Mary's Hands Network

The Power of Your Birth Vision

Your Birth Vision, sometimes called a birth plan, is a way to share your hopes, preferences, and priorities with the people who will support you throughout pregnancy, labor, and those first moments with your baby. It is not a list of demands or a rigid contract. Think of it as a map: a guide to help you explore your options and start meaningful conversations with your birth team.

Birth is full of unknowns. Your journey may take twists and turns, labor that comes on quickly or moves slowly, unexpected interventions, or perhaps the smoothest, most peaceful experience you could hope for. A Birth Vision helps you prepare for what you can, while staying open to the changes that may come along the way.

The BRAIN Decision Tool: When faced with a decision, use this simple framework:

  • Benefits - What are the benefits of this option?
  • Risks - What are the risks?
  • Alternatives - Are there alternatives we could try?
  • Intuition - What does my gut tell me?
  • Nothing - What happens if we do nothing for now?

Remember: Empowered birth is not about controlling every detail or going it alone. It is about finding a provider you trust, choosing a birth place where you feel safe and supported, and trusting your own voice as you make decisions together with your care team.

No matter how your birth unfolds, it matters. You held life inside of you and brought it into the world. That is incredible. You are incredible.
1 Creating Your Birth Team

Health History:

Please check any that apply. This helps your provider understand your specific needs.

Delivery Plan:

2 Labor Room & Comfort Measures

For each preference, select your level of interest. Hover over the info icon for more details.

Hospital Preferences:

Wear my own clothes i
As few interruptions as possible i
Minimal vaginal/cervical exams i
Hydrate with clear liquids i
Eat or drink as permitted i
Saline lock (IV port, no tubing) i

Medical Monitoring:

Intermittent fetal monitoring i
Wireless/waterproof monitoring i

Environment & Atmosphere:

Dim lighting i
Aromatherapy i
Music i
Quiet environment i

Physical Comfort & Movement:

Birth ball i
Peanut ball i
Massage i
Hip squeeze and counterpressure i
Freedom to change positions i
Walking and movement i

Hydrotherapy:

Shower i
Tub or labor pool i
Hot and cold therapy i

Mental and Emotional Support:

Meditation and mindfulness i
Visualization i
Vocalization i
Breathing techniques i

Pain Medication:

Epidural i
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) i
IV pain medication i
No pain medication i
3 Pushing & Delivery

For each preference, select your level of interest. Hover over the info icon for details.

Freedom to push in different positions i
Delayed cord clamping i
Immediate skin-to-skin contact i
Protected golden hour i
4 Newborn Care

For each preference, select your level of interest. Hover over the info icon for details.

Delayed first bath (24+ hours) i
Baby stays with me (rooming-in) i
Vitamin K injection i
Eye ointment i
Hepatitis B vaccine i
Lactation consultant visit i
Formula feeding support i
Photos and videos i